Helen VanNice, 99, of Rapid City, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2016 at the Golden Living Center-Meadowbrook.

Helen Viola Melton was born on her grandfather's farm near Wessington Springs, SD, on December 30, 1916.  Her parents were Clarence Eugene Melton and Sarah Viola  Forbes Melton. She had one younger sister, Edna Anne (Mrs. Hans Faye.)

Helen started school in Rapid City and continued until her graduation from High School in 1934, with the exception of fourth grade taught by her mother at a school near Owanka, SD.  Helen spent two happy summers near the Game Lodge in Custer State Park, where her dad wrangled the saddle horses for tourists to ride.

After a couple of short-term jobs during the Great Depression, Helen was employed from 1937 to 1948 as a stenographer/secretary by Julius F. Sieler, Attorney.  Helen then worked at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Alumni offices.  In 1959 she entered the U. S. Civil Service as a secretary at Rushmore Air Force Station and she was soon transferred to Ellsworth Air Force Base, where she worked until her retirement in 1972/

In 1947 Helen joined the National Secretaries Association, now Professional Secretaries International, and later attended several international conventions as a delegate for the Mt. Rushmore Chapter in Rapid City.  She was also instrumental in forming two Future Secretaries Chapters in Rapid City.

Helen was married to John E. Nimmo from 1938 to 1952.  After 1952 Helen shared her home with young business girls, one at a time and rented her basement apartment to young couples.  On October 16, 1971, Helen married Guy E. VanNice, a widower.  Helen and Guy were married for almost 32 years until his death in 2002.  They spent much time traveling throughout the United States, visiting Helen's nephew's family and Guy's children.  They also took trips to Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia.  Helen and Guy were long-time members of First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City.

Helen is survived by her three step-children, Carol (William) Dobbs, of East Berlin, CT, Nancy (Niels) Holtet, of Rapid City and Randy (Barbara) VanNice, of North Canton, OH; nine grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; 2 great nieces and a great nephew.  She was preceded in death by her husband Guy E. VanNice, her stepdaughter, Beverly Ham, her sister, Edna Faye and her nephew, James Faye.

Interment will be in Pine Lawn Memorial Park.  No public services are planned.